Friday, February 3, 2012

Valentine Giveaway

Our giveaway today features a choice of the Kylie skirt (above, A-line, retails at $135) or the Penny (below, shorter and straighter, retails at $95) in either black or lime hearts, subject to availability. To be in to win, simply leave a comment below. The lucky winner will be drawn randomly next Friday10th Feb. This is open to all readers who are followers or subscribers. An extra point for each if you facebook or tweet the offer.

As with past years Kevin and I will probably allow Valentines to gently pass us by. We're not terribly sentimental and - some would say - not terribly romantic. We go out every Saturday night and Valentine's is one night we'll happily stay in. But like every woman worth her chocolates and roses I love gorgeous big hearts and a kicky new skirt.

45 comments:

We stay in and celebrate with the kids. My husband would say I'm the opposite of romantic. What is that!? Possibly jaded? I like to think I'm simply a realist -- romance is for the young and unexperienced.

We have been together for 32 years and don't 'do' valentines......but still kiss each every every day and hold hands when we are out walking....so let the young'uns have the 'special' day when they wait for the postman and expect big gestures.....day to day stuff does for me! ps the skirt? gorgeous.....just lovely.

Skirts Are to die for. We don't do valentines because I just love to receive flowers on an ordinary day when it puts a smile on my . u face and it's a surprise. I think there is nothing better than when life is tough and your loved one just understands.

i'm the new kid on the block. what a fun party i have stopped in for! i love both of these skirts, but especially the green one. my family always makes homemade valentines for each other and we have this new traditon where we go to our favorite local BBQ place! yum.

Interesting clothing, but can you imagine Bear in a skirt? (If you can, you're pretty weird.) So, no skirt for the Bear, thanks. (I think I'm skirting the issue.)

Valentine's Day. We'll pass on that. But the day before Valentine's is important. That's the day I gave my sweetie (of 42 years, now) her engagement ring. That's something to celebrate! We don't need to go any further than that.

Valentine's Day always brings back my first real recollection of this Holiday.

In 1954 my parents purchased their first (and only) home in University Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. We moved into a brand new Colonial on a corner lot with a first floor laundry room and a two car attached garage! Paradise! It seemed to me, a 4 year old only child, the whole world came to view this "Palace!" The dining room walls had green and white Toile wallpaper depicting a Colonial Carriage Scene with horses, carriages, family's in formal period dress. It fascinated me. In fact, almost every room was wall papered with "special" vignettes. I spent years imagining myself in those scenes.

Well, this first year, on Valentine's Day, my parents had a party for my family and my Father's" special patients." I kept prodding him who these special people were. My Dad. being a very quiet soft spoken man, leaned down and told me that his special patients were very sad. He told me they did not enjoy a "Paradise" to dwell in now, although they once had paradise stolen. I didn't understand, but I could tell even then, at 4 years old, these were very special guests.

All dressed up in my brand new pink ruffled dress, white ankle socks, and black patent MaryJanes, I played with my family, and with the children of the "special" guests. Suddenly, a very old woman (to my eyes) sat down and began to sob. Her husband, consoling her, whispered something. Her face lit up and her tears were gone. She left the room, and returned with heart shaped boxes of beautifully wrapped foil chocolates! Each chocolate piece was in the shape of a spring flower. Iris, Lily, Tulip...all in color! She called out to us in a language I did not understand. We knew, however, to rush over to her! Each one of us received a box. I was last. The old lady, and I remember clearly her scent of Lavender, whispered in our ears, hugged us, and smiled. I noticed then, numbers on her arm that had been exposed when she rolled up her sweater.

Later that day, after all the company left, my Grandmother and Parents sat me down. I was persistent in wanting to know why the old lady, Olga was her name, had numbers on her arm as well as all the "special guests" as I discovered later. I was told that there was a fight in Europe and all over the world before I was born. I knew my Dad was in a War as a Dental Surgeon (whatever that was) in the South Pacific (wherever that was.) Very simply, I was told in Europe,,where my family emigrated from many years ago, masses of people were killed. Many children were killed. I was so scared when I heard this! I was consoled that in the USA we all were safe. Olga's 8 children were gone forever and she could never have any more. All year, Olga, who worked in a Kosher Bakery 7 days a week, saved money so on Valentine's Day, a holiday she learned about in the States,so she could distribute chocolates and for a few hours, find solace in our smiling faces. I saw Olga, and many of the other guests over the years in Cleveland, but we never had another Valentine Party. On February 14, every year until I went off to College, I found a box of foil wrapped chocolate on my nightstand. I knew it was from my parents, and we never spoke about that first box ever again.Bittersweet memories,tucked deep into my heart, that surface fresh as that day so long ago. Would I trade in that day? Never. Always remember, never forget, and love with all your might.

A good day. The BEST VALENTINE'S DAY. My children (grown up) and grandson always get the box of chocolate. Someday, before I'm gone, I'll tell them this story you now know.

What a lovely giveaway, sweetie!! It is perfect for Valentine's day and I would love to wear it!! Me and hubby have decided to have a romantic dinner at a restaurant that will open on the 12th, especially for the Valentine's day!! I can't wait!!! I am a very romantic person!!!

For Valentine's Day my husband and I usually stay in and cook dinner for each other. We try to make something special and include things that each person enjoys. We haven't set the menu for this year - but I'm excited to plan with him.